ARNIS/ STICK FIGHTING
ARNIS
Also known as Eskrima, Kali, Garrote and other names in
various regional languages.
An indigenous Filipino Martial Art and Sport characterized by
the use of swinging and twirling movements, accompanied by
striking, thrusting and parrying techniques for defense and
offense.
This is usually done with the use of one or two sticks.
R.A. 9850
Arnis was declared as the National Martial Art and Sport of the
Philippines on the December 11, 2009 signed by President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo.
A. HISTORICAL CONCEPT: No document and written histories.
B. EVOLVEMENT OF THE ART: (Name/systems/classifications)
The system was named after the province in which they are named:
Pangasinan – KALIRONGAN
Tagalogs – PANANANDATA
Ilocanos – DIDYA/KABAROAN
Ibanags – PAGKALIKALI
Pampanguenos – SINAWALI
Visayans – KINAADMAN, PAGARADMAN, ESGRIMA/ESCRIMA
The system was named after their founder:
Example: Arnis Philippines, Kali Ilustrisimo
The system as named after their most distinguishing technical
characteristics:
Example: Arnis de Abaniko
The system was named after a Filipino National Heroes:
Example: Rizal Arnis
The system was named after a historical place:
Example: Balintawak Arnis
The system was named after the weapons of former enemies:
Example: Estocada, Espada y Daga
1920 – 1st Arnis Club was organized in CEBU CITY, where
Escrima was used in the practice of art.
1932 – DOCE PARES ASSOCIATION with all the well-known
grandmasters bases in Cebu as nucleus came into existence.
They made arnis as a competitive sport now called ARNIS
SPORT. They too created the rules on sparring matches.
1970 – Arnis clubs, schools, and organizations accepted the
rules created by Doce Pares association.
1989 – WEKAF (World Escrima Kali Arnis Federation)
1975 – NARAPHIL (National Arnis Association of the Philippines)
PURPOSE:
To promote and propagate the Filipino art by organizing arnis
congress. This led to the creation of WEKAF of which ten countries
became members including the Philippines.
3 MAIN GROUPS:
Northern Style – Arnis
Central Style – Arnis de Mano
Southern Style – Kali
COURTESY / SALUTATION:
PUGAY – Done before and after class.
Canes should be held by right hand and the left hand slightly
pushes the cane with the blade of the hand in front of waist
level.
Stand shoulder width stance.
Commands:
Handa(Ready)
Pugay(Bow)
Bring left foot to right, at the same time place right fist over
heart and nod.
Return to ready stance.
TYPES OF STRIKES:
Babad Hangin
Buong Palo
Pitik
BABAD ARAW – Cane guard position.
ARNIS AS A SPORT
The game is played by using prescribed padded stick in delivering
artistic and legal blows, strikes, thrusts, and disarming the opponent
to gain scores.
Facilities and Equipment
Weapons:
The most basic and common weapon in Arnis is the baston or
yantok. They are typically constructed from rattan, an inexpensive
stem from a type of Southeast Asian vine.
The stick is ranging from twenty-four to twenty-eight inches
long.
Types of Arnis sticks
Baston, olisi, yantok-stick ranging from twenty-four to twenty-
eight inches long.
Largo mano yantok- longer stick ranging from twenty-eight to
thirty-six inches
Dulo y dulo- short stick about four to seven inches in length,
held in the palm of the hand
Bankaw- six-foot pole. Staves can be used to practice sword
techniques
Panangga- shield
Etiquette/Cardinal rules in Arnis:
Respect
Sportsmanship
Character
Self-control
Loyalty
Basic Terminologies and Commands:
Pugay – Position or lift the weapon hand across the chest
wherein the butt/punyo is resting on the chest, while the feet is
at 45 degree angle. Stances -Arnis stances is the combination
of foot orientation.
Babad araw – Strike coming from “sun”
Buong palo – Strike is executed in a follow-through manner
Babad hangin – The strike is executed by bringing the stick to
the target area and keeping it there.
Pitik or half strike – Strike is executed by bringing the stick to
the target area and bringing it to the original
positionImportance of Sports-Related Exercise in Arnis
Sports-related exercise plays a crucial role in Arnis, a Filipino martial
art that emphasizes stick fighting techniques.
Here are a few key reasons why sports-related exercise is
important in Arnis:
Physical Fitness: Sports-related exercise in Arnis helps
participants develop and maintain high levels of physical fitness. It
enhances strength, endurance, agility, coordination, and overall
cardiovascular health. These physical attributes are essential for
performing Arnis techniques effectively and with precision.
Skill Development: Regular participation in sports-related exercise
allows practitioners to improve their Arnis skills. Exercises such as
footwork drills, agility training, and striking exercises enhance
speed, accuracy, timing, and reflexes. These skills are fundamental
in Arnis to effectively defend against attacks and execute powerful
strikes.
Mental Focus: Arnis requires mental focus, concentration, and
quick decision-making. Sports-related exercise, such as drills and
sparring sessions, helps practitioners sharpen their mental acuity
and develop better situational awareness. This mental training is
crucial in combat scenarios, where split-second decisions can make
a significant difference.
Stress Relief and Discipline: Engaging in sports-related exercise
in Arnis provides an outlet for stress relief and promotes discipline.
The physical activity involved helps release endorphins, reducing
stress and promoting a sense of well-being. Additionally, the
rigorous training and adherence to rules and techniques cultivate
discipline and self-control, which are vital traits in martial arts.
Competitive Edge: Sports-related exercise in Arnis often involves
competitive sparring or tournaments. These events allow
practitioners to test their skills against opponents of varying skill
levels, fostering healthy competition and encouraging continuous
improvement. Participating in competitions can enhance motivation,
drive, and the desire to strive for excellence in Arnis.
Community and Camaraderie: Sports-related exercise in Arnis
provides an opportunity to be part of a supportive community of
fellow practitioners. Engaging in group training, attending
workshops, and participating in competitions fosters camaraderie,
teamwork, and a sense of belonging. This social aspect adds to the
overall enjoyment and motivation to stay committed to Arnis
practice.
References:
- “Arnis: Filipino Martial Art” by Romeo Macapagal and Daniel
Foronda
- “Complete Sinawali: Filipino Double-Weapon Fighting” by
Reynaldo S. Galang Jr.
In Arnis, a Filipino martial art that focuses on stick fighting, there are
various strikes and blocks that are commonly used. Here are five
fundamental strikes and blocks in Arnis:
1. Forehand Strike: The forehand strike is a basic offensive
technique in Arnis. It involves swinging the stick diagonally
across your body from the backhand side to the forehand side.
This strike targets your opponent's head, shoulder, arm, or leg,
depending on the situation.
2. Backhand Strike: Similar to the forehand strike, the backhand
strike is executed by swinging the stick diagonally from the
forehand side to the backhand side. It is another effective
offensive technique that can be aimed at various targets on
your opponent's body.
3. Downward Strike: The downward strike is a vertical strike
executed by bringing the stick down from an overhead
position, targeting your opponent's head, shoulder, or arm. It
can be a powerful strike, especially when combined with
proper body mechanics and footwork.
4. High Block: The high block is a defensive technique used to
intercept or redirect incoming strikes aimed at your upper
body, particularly the head and shoulders. It involves raising
the stick diagonally across your body to protect yourself from
overhead or horizontal attacks.
5. Low Block: The low block is a defensive technique used to
block or deflect strikes aimed at your lower body, such as leg
attacks. It involves angling the stick diagonally across your
body to intercept and redirect the incoming strike away from
your legs.
It's important to note that Arnis encompasses a wide range of
techniques and variations, and the strikes and blocks mentioned
above are just a few examples. Additionally, the specific terminology
and techniques may vary depending on the particular style or
system of Arnis being practiced.
